City Hall Services Update
March 12, 2020
The City of Portsmouth continues to make decisions in response to the Coronavirus, that public safety staff determine are best for the community, taking into account the latest information and guidance from public health, state and federal authorities. We are taking the follow steps to reduce the possible spread of the virus:
City staff have been advised not to come to work if they are feeling unwell or have come into possible contact with a COVID-19 carrier. We ask that you, too, use your best judgment. If you are not feeling well, please stay home to protect the health of others.
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The Recreation Department continues to be staffed; but ALL FACILITIES ARE NOW CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. This includes the Connie Bean Center, Spinnaker Point, the Portsmouth Indoor Pool and the Senior Center. We are making every effort to continue the Senior Transportation Program through our contracted provider COAST. For more information on the Recreation Department, please contact Recreation staff at 603-817-9480, or visit the Recreation Department webpages.
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City services at City Hall remain open, but you are encouraged to limit visits to City Hall for non-essential services and to take advantage of the following on-line capabilities for non-essential business:
Pay bills (parking tickets, taxes, water bills, etc.)
Register vehicles
Apply for permits
Apply for dog licenses
Review and apply for job openings
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The City Council and other Municipal boards will continue to meet as planned. But residents are encouraged to view these meetings, streamed live on Channel 22 and archived on the City's YouTube channel.
Those interested in providing comment during public hearings and public comment portions of the meetings are encouraged to submit comments online, or email or mail written comments in lieu of attending. Chairpersons will enter or read comments received so they are made part of the official record.
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The Portsmouth School Department is working with the School Board on specific steps and is closely monitoring the situation. As always, the School Department will be sending updates directly to the school community.
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The Portsmouth Public Library remains open, for regular hours. But ALL PROGRAMS, MEETING ROOM RENTALS AND GROUP GATHERINGS ARE CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
As always, patrons can access many materials and services from the Library website.
For more information on the Portsmouth Public Library, please contact Library staff at 603-427-1540
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Please be advised that the situation may change, pending additional information and updates. City Manger Karen Conard and City Health Officer Kim McNamara, with Police and Fire, are leading the City’s emergency management response and will continue maintaining regular communication with staff, community stakeholders, and state officials to stay abreast of the situation. Further updates will be provided to the community as we receive them.
For continuous updates on the coronavirus COVID-19 from the City Health Department refer to this page.
